March 6, 2023 | Ottawa

The Government of Canada has released its updated Arctic and Northern Policy Framework, outlining the strategic direction for ensuring safety, security, and effective defence in the region through 2030. The framework sets out a series of objectives designed to address evolving challenges, including climate change, increased maritime activity, and growing international interest.

Key Elements of the Policy

• Regional Security and Sovereignty:
  The framework reaffirms Canada’s commitment to safeguarding the Arctic and Northern regions. It emphasizes that a secure environment is critical for protecting communities, supporting strong economies, and preserving the region’s unique environment.
• Impact of Climate Change:
  Recognizing that climate change is reshaping the region, the policy details how melting sea ice, unpredictable weather patterns, and permafrost thaw are altering accessibility. These changes bring both economic opportunities and increased risks to local infrastructure and ecosystems.
• Maritime Activity and Infrastructure:
  The policy notes a significant rise in maritime traffic, including commercial, research, and tourism vessels. As vessel numbers grow, so do the demands on search and rescue capabilities, transportation infrastructure, and environmental protection measures.
• Enhanced Collaboration:
  A central tenet of the framework is fostering greater cooperation among federal, territorial, provincial, and Indigenous governments, as well as with international partners. Joint initiatives, such as Operation NANOOK and participation in multinational forums, are highlighted as key strategies to enhance collective situational awareness and response capabilities.
• Investments in Defence and Emergency Management:
  The framework calls for increasing the presence of the Canadian Armed Forces and the Canadian Coast Guard in the region. Planned investments include ice-capable vessels, advanced surveillance technologies, and upgraded critical infrastructure to support emergency management and rapid response in the event of incidents.

Strategic Objectives

The updated framework is built around several strategic objectives:

• Strengthen Partnerships: Improve coordination with domestic and international stakeholders to address safety, security, and defence challenges.
• Enhance Presence and Capabilities: Boost military and civilian capacities to monitor and respond to changes in the Arctic environment.
• Improve Domain Awareness: Invest in technology to enhance surveillance and control in the region.
• Enforce Regulatory Frameworks: Ensure effective implementation of laws governing transportation, environmental protection, and border security.
• Support Community Resilience: Tailor initiatives to the specific needs of Arctic and Northern communities, emphasizing culturally appropriate approaches to public safety and crime prevention.

Conclusion

The updated Arctic and Northern Policy Framework represents a comprehensive approach to managing the dynamic challenges facing Canada’s northern territories. By addressing both the risks and opportunities presented by a changing climate and increased international activity, the framework aims to secure the region for future generations while maintaining Canada’s sovereignty and commitment to collaborative governance.

https://tc.canada.ca/en/binder/11-arctic-northern-policy-framework